1 Corinthians
Chapter 11

1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

The churches in Portugal

Some one told me: I wish you did not visit the churches in Portugal. I wish you did not hear about the truth of the women head covering in the dispensation of Grace of God. I wish that thing will be like it uses to be before, when we had the unity in our small church in Holland!

Things will never be like it was before you knew any truth. I thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that count me to be a faithful servant and helped me to understand the truth about the head covering under this dispensation of the grace of God.

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians chapter 4

I heard few years ago that there are in Portugal churches who understand the truth of the one baptism. It was only last years after I met on the skype one of the believers that I decided to visit them together with my wife Jeannet. We met in Lisbon one of the elders his name is Carlos. Like always when you meet other bible teacher you start talking about al kind of biblical truth and especially those which belong to the revelation of the mystery.

The churches in Portugal have “brethren background” they use to remember the Lord supper every Sunday and the women’s covering their head. We started to talk about it. Personally I am open to talk about every biblical issue, not that I am interesting in debating but from listening you can always learn something.

This was the first time that I heard that women head covering has to do with the headship and the manifestation of the glory of God when the church is coming together.

3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 1 Corinthians chapter 11

So then I heard, understood and believed to what God was saying to me in His word. Of course there were more questions to be answer but this was just the beginning. 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17.

I was happy, after all those years, to get the right answer for 1 Corinthian chapter 11:1-16. What I did not know at that moment is the heavenly warfare which this truth will cause especially among those who say that they following Paul in his teaching. 

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 1 Corinthians chapter 11

Paul & head covering

You probably know and read many times the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 11:1-16

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of wwoman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Women head covering under the dispensation of the Grace of God? Yes! 

You mean that we should follow Paul also in this ordinance? Yes!

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

You mean that we should follow Paul in this ordinance like we follow him in the Lord's Supper? Yes!

You mean that even after the revelation of mystery was fulfilled we still must follow Paul in the ordinances of women head covering and the Lord suppers? Yes !

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Colossians chapter 1

Yes this is exactly what I mean. 

I know that it will sound very strange to hear that there are people who teach head covering as a part of the revelation of the mystery which was given to Paul.

Why it sounds strange while in the same chapter Paul teach about the Lord supper?

Why it sound strange while teaching that there is only one baptism for many people also sound strange?

Ordinances

Why are you making so big issue from the Words of Christ to Paul about head covering?

Well, of course if Christ told this to Paul and Paul say: 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. I want to be faithful to the word also in this matter. But there is something more. We do not speak about just a command but about ORDINANCES.

1_CORINTHIANS 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

So head covering and Lord Supper are ordinances for the church of the mystery

When I teach that we should follow Paul in those ordinances as he follows Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. People look as I was teaching them something new, which is not new at all.

It is strange to see that when ever I mention Head covering or Lord Supper, People quoting scriptures from Paul prison letter (by the way I used to do the same) to show the opposite.

When I think it now over, it looks very strange to use the words of the same apostle in one letter against his words in other letters only because there is so called “transition period” theory.

EPHESIANS 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

I hope you are not confusing between the ordinances of the Law of Moses and those that the Lord gave to Paul for the dispensation of the grace of God. So when I teach 1 Corinthians chapter 11 for us today I do not mean to put you back to the law.

COLOSSIANS 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; COLOSSIANS 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Look what a different there is between the ordinances that was against us and the ordinances that Paul teach in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. Do you understand the different?. We should not build a doctrine on words but rather understand in which context it was written. So when Paul writing us and say Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ He means simple the ordinances for the dispensation of the grace of God.

Are you still considering yourself as someone who Prove all things; hold fast that which is good?. Even if it is years ago since you heard about the truth of the mystery and decided then to stand for the truth of the one baptism?

Are you still that bible believer, Teacher, Preacher with that spirit of faith that lead you to understand the revelation of the mystery in the first time?

If you are!, and your heart is still open to believe the truth as it is written please stay with me. Let’s go together on a scriptural journey that in the end I hope you will understand why we, as a grace believers, should follow Paul in what he was written in 1 Corinthians chapter 11:1-16

In this journey we will go through the subject itself but also understand the full position that the letter to the Corinthians has in the revelation of the mystery which was given to Paul. We will also go back to the book of acts in order to understand the different between the apostle and prophets from Jerusalem and the apostle and prophets of the dispensation of the Grace of God.

In order to understand why women head covering is still part of the revelation of the mystery. We will have to search in the Word of God whether the so called “transition period theory” stand in the test of the scripture and the word rightly divided.   

I assure you we going to have blessed time.

In Christ our Lord

Dov Avnon

Who needs head covering?

If you will put the questions in this way, you will find that no one really waiting for this doctrine of Paul. The women will start to rebellion and the man’s will find it hard to take position. Only those in the church who will take God again in His word and just believe in what is written will find the light and the power to obey this doctrine. Other will fall in kind of spiritual blindness and whenever you will try to show them things from the Word you will hear mostly “I do not see it, I do not see it”

Yes, people will find it hard to accept , and I talk mainly about the so called grace believers, because they are the one who mostly mention what Paul say : 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians chapter 11.

So if you really considering yourself as a faithful followers of Paul, you should take God in His word and obey His ordinances as it is written in 1 Corinthians chapter 11:1-16

The question is still who need Head covering? The answer is, not many people! Who need the doctrine of the one baptism? Also not many! Both doctrines are fundamental and rejected by the majority of the believers. The doctrine of head covering is part of the revelation of the mystery given to Paul and yet was never accepted in the so called grace movement! Why?

During the years that I am teaching the grace massage, I came few times across the question about the women head covering in the dispensation of the Grace of God. When I am in Israel my home land I visit a fellowship where most of the women’s are covering the head. However because in that fellowship they are not teaching the word rightly divided. I thought that women head covering was not for us.

In other situation I had the privilege to meet a brother who spent with us 10 years and help me in spreading the gospel of grace in Holland. His wife used to cover the head al the day. They learn the grace massage after years being part in a close religion group in Germany. I remember that he uses to ask me about it but the most that I knew at that time was: “Long hair is the covering” or changing the following scripture like most people do:

16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. 1 Corinthians chapter 11

In another words I did not argue about it and just welcomed his wife with her head covering in our fellowship but at that time of my life I did not have real understanding of the subject. Some people will always say “it is after all not so important so let move on to the real gospel” so this what I did for years probably like most people will do if you do not have the right light in the Word of God.

Are we ready to follow the truth?

When I am writing the study about. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. I do not try to convince you that you should follow other teaching then the gospel of Gods grace. As you already know there are several groups in the so-called Christianity that teach women head covering but they do not understand Paul distinctive ministry. So what I am writing is especially for those who do understand that the Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven gave to Paul the revelation of the mystery.

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Romans 16:25,26

In this study I will do my best to share with you some light in the Word of God that we received after we came to understand the truth of 1 Corinthians chapter 11:1-16.

When you accept that we should keep the ordinances, as Paul delivered us in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. You are facing a truth which is not easy to obey! You will probably have to do some re thinking concerning other issues like the so called “the transition period” theory. On the other hands you will get some answers or new light on the position of the letter to the Corinthians as part of Paul letters to the Church which is His body. You will probably understand also the different in massage between the Apostle and prophets from Jerusalem and those of the body of Christ, the dispensation of Gods grace and maybe even more. So stay with me.

I believe that we should give very careful thought about this issue. We are using very easily the unscriptural term “transition time” in order to give unsolved answers to scriptural issues. Satan attacks the believers who understand grace in different ways. We are divided on the issues of Lord Supper. We are divided on the issue concerning Paul early ministry and who know what more. 

The Purpose of this study is to share some new light in order to help you and establish you in understanding the revelation of the mystery, which was given to Paul.

Other questions concerning Paul ministry, I will deal in the chapter, which will call “The Apostles and Prophets of the dispensation of the grace of God. ( The transition period theory Truth or error?) 

The Position of the letter to the Corinthians.

In order to understand how important is Paul command to follow him in the ordinances of 1 Corinthians chapter 11. We must first understand the full position of this letter. It is common to teach that the letter was written in the acts period. That in the letter Paul did not know every thing. That the letter was written to a church that started near to a Jewish synagogue etc. 

1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 1 Corinthians chapter 1

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians chapter 12

So the letter was written to the church of God which is at Corinth to those who was baptized in to one body which is the church that was kept secret and was first revealed to the Apostle Paul. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: . 1 Corinthians chapter 2

But that church was near a synagogue? Well this is very strange argument to suggest that Paul on the one hand received the truth of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 directly from the Lord and on the other hand to say that in some way it has to do with the Jewish tradition or religion.

So let’s see it in the light of the word of God.

Paul was visiting first the synagogue of an unbelieving Jews. Jews who did not accepted Christ as their messiah. He did not go to the synagogue because he was preaching the kingdom on earth but: “…It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts chapter 13:46

HEAD COVERING

So is the truth about Head covering as it is written in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 part of Jewish tradition? No! As fare that we know from the Law of Moses there is only one scripture that might suggest that women use to cover the head. 18 And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: NUMBERS 5:18

But it will be contrary to the word of God if we will say that this ordinance was because of their Jewish background. The Apostle Paul him self say: 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 1 Corinthians chapter 11

So on which ground based the theory that the doctrine of head covering is part of Jewish tradition while the Word of God say that it was part of the revelation of the mastery which was given to the apostle Paul. It is Paul in his letter who for the first time revealed to the world the real purpose of head covering.

LORD SUPPER

Some suggest that the so called Lord supper is also part of Jewish tradition and therefore we should not remember it.

This is very strange statement and we must first understand what the nation of Israel had to remember according to the Law of Moses.

25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. Exodus chapter 12

But the Apostle Paul do not write to the members of the body of Christ to remember the the LORD'S Passover.

When the Lord Jesus Christ was on earth he was introducing something new which was not part of the law which God gave to Moses.

 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew chapter 26

But let see what the apostle Paul say how he receive this ordinance

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 1 Corinthians chapter 11

We can see again from the word of God that Paul was teaching the churches those ordinance, not because of their Jewish nature but because it is a part of the revelation of the mystery for this dispensation of the Grace of God.

The letter to the Corinthians is a very fundamental letter that deals among others with the fellowship of the believers. “Why we are coming together as a church and how” There is nothing there which has to do with the so called “transition period” theory but with the full knowledge of the mystery which was given to Paul. In order to understand it I invite you to follow my study “The apostle and prophets of the dispensation of the Grace of God.)

There are today so called grace believers who are questioning the truth of the Lord supper. Some do it once a year other every month and other do not teach it at all. So the question is “in how fare those brethren still follow Paul? It seems to me that many grace believers do not have really light on those important ordinances that Paul talk about in his letters to the Corinthians and just following what other say or ignoring the subject at all.

The letter to the Corinthians is fully part of the revelation of the mystery. “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 corintians 2:7

Paul mention in the letter to the Corinthians that he knew things partly but you still will find all the truth of the mystery there.  Most important is to understand the following vers:

For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 

For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 1 corintians 4:15-17

Some people say that Paul was teaching the truth of 1 Corinthians chapter 11 - head covering and the lord supper only the Corinthians church in certain time.

But this scripture teach us that Timothy knew what Paul was teaching in every church and later Paul wrote him to teach other. 2 Timothy 2:2 and Timothy follows Paul teaching.

Dear reader are you still following Paul in the ordinances that he received from the Lord Jesus Christ for this dispensation of Gods grace. 

Transition period

Acts is the book of transition between the law and grace dispensations.

Acts is the book of transition between the Church and Israel.

I am sure you heard many time how preachers giving out line to the book of act.

I sure that you heard about this term “ the transition period” and when ever you find some difficult issues in Paul letters it is most easy to say “yes but it is because of the transition period”

When we are doing some re thinking about in how fare we can use this term after Paul was saved we will find the following fact:

1 – The stoning of Stephen and Paul conversion on the road to Damascus shows us turning point in Gods program.

2 - The work of the 12 apostles in preaching to Israel, the things that Christ told them regarding the Kingdom stopped.

3 - While there are now no more 12 apostles. There are now 3 main apostles and Prophets from Jerusalem. Who are going outside with the gospel of the circumcisions

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision Galation 2:9

 4 – When we are coming to the period that cover by the letters of Paul. Galation is the first one and Second timothy is the last one. There is only ONE gospel. The gospel of the Grace of God as it is teaching in all the churchs by the Apostel Paul..

5 – During the period that cover by the book of acts from the moment that the church in Jerusalem was scattered. The Apostles and prophets from Jerusalem teach the gospel to the circumcisions as we can learn about it in the letters Hebrew till revelation. 

: “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1

6 – The main distinction in the book of acts should be between the works of the apostle and prophets from Jerusalem and the works of the apostle and prophets of the dispensation of the Grace of God.

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Galation 1:11,12

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Romans 16:25-26

 7 – Paul is the apostle for this dispensation of the Grace of God and if we want to understand his whole massage including what he teach the churches like he wrote in his letters to the corintians. We should follow the word of the apostles and prophets of the dispensation of the Grace of God. 

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Ephesians 2:20

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Ephesians 3:5-6

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Ephesians 4:11

Dear reader, we read 5 times in the book of acts that Paul went to the synagogue of the Jewish people. We believe and trust the word of God that while Paul was preaching to his brethren in the flesh, it did not influenced the revelation that he received from the lord.

So now we can understand why we do not need “transition period” theory in order to understand or explain what Christ teaching us in the letter to the corintians through Paul. But just to take God in His word and to follow Paul because he follows Christ,

(more about the acts period – in the next study (The apostels and Prophets of the dispensation of Gods grace)

The Truth about Head covering.

When Paul is writing about the truth of the Head covering he does not write about culture costume or Jewish tradition. He tells us some truth which is part of the directly revelation that he received from the Lord Jesus from heaven.

And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: Numbers 5:18

This is the only scripture in the Law of Moses that might suggest that a woman’s covered their head. Even Jewish tradition who teaches that married women should walk with cover head cannot find much support for it in the Law of Moses. So you will not find much about women head covering in the 4 gospels like what the Lord Jesus Christ Him self revelled to Paul as part of the revelation of the mystery.

After I came to understand the truth of head covering I realised that even the Muslims religion took something in a bad way from the Bible. There are internet Muslims site in the Netherlands where Muslim women arguing using Paul words to show so called Christian women that Muslim way is the right way. Only that they forgot that the Bible teach that the man should not cover his head while the IMAM cover his head like the catholic art bishop.

What about all the so called grace preachers? Why they are not willing to follow Paul in this truth as he follow Christ. From reading C.R. Stam book about the letter to the Corinthians and other you can see how those man did not have the answer. The one is writing about the “Long her“ as the true covering the other say “it is just costume” and not more. Other teach that it was when the women in the Church was professing with out to understand the basic truth that women where NOT aloud to speak as Paul wrote. And that the gift of prophesy was given ONLY to men.

How come that we have so clear understanding about the truth of “one baptism” “one body” one hope” ephisians 4:1-6 etc ?. and we are not able to understand this truth while Paul spend all chapter to talk about it 1 Corinthian 11:1-16 head covering 17- 34 the Lord supper and coming together.

So if you really want to understand the truth of head covering I can only suggest you and pray that you will take God in His word like you did when you teach about the one baptism or other truth from the letters of Paul. Read what is written and believe what is written and you will have what is written.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. Romans 10:17

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

I supposed you read this verse many time. And you were using it to show people how important it is to follow Paul massage of Grace because he follows Christ. But if you will read carefully through, you will find that Paul ask the believers to follow him in those ordinances that we going to speak about.

Through his first letter to the Corinthians Paul had several time to defend his apostleship and gospel. The question is why? The answer is because those ordinances and other thing that he teaches all the church by that time are NOT part of the kingdom gospel. He did not tell them things that he still had from the Jewish tradition. What Paul was proclaiming was the full gospel of the grace of God by the authority of Christ. Paul was teaching Head covering and Lord super as a part of the revelation that he received from the Lord from heaven. So if we really want to understand that truth we should go first to Paul letters.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 

So being followers of Paul in this case is preaching and teaching head covering and the lord supper under this dispensation of Grace.

As you read 1 Corinthians chapter 11 you will understand that there are grace preachers who do follow Paul teaching in generally. But as you came to those two important ordinances you will find all kind of explanation but NOT always according to the truth that Paul was teaching.

 For we walk by faith, not by sight  2 Corinthians chapter 5:7 

 I found that those who are against the teaching of head covering and the Lord supper for this dispensation of grace will use often this verse. So not only that they are taking scripture out of his context but they also do not accept Paul authority in this matter when he commands the believers to follow him as he follow Christ. Remember! Head covering and Lord Supper during the time when the church is coming together have nothing to do with SIGHT. It is ordinances that we should follow by the grace of God.

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 

Paul is praising the Brethren. We will see later how important is the fact that the Mans in the church should be strong in the Grace teaching. The truth about head covering and Lord Supper was hard to follow also in Paul’s day. Women then and now are not waiting that some one will teach them to cover the head. Lord supper means not only the unity that we have in one body but also the obligation that we have to judge our self.

So just look around and you and will you find how churches today are running more and more by the will of the women’s and not of the mans or what Paul is teaching as it should be.

Paul praises those brethren who did follow his teaching and did keep those ordinances. The problem in those churches was about the truth of the creation of man and woman.

Some people think that those are so called Jewish issues. But this is not true. Jewish where at that time the witnesses of Moses Act 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. They understood what happen in the creation of man and women and who was first.

Those are the gentiles woman’s who started to speak at the church and with out to cover the head that cause the problem. Women in the Greek temple could be a priest but after she accepted the grace of God and what Paul was teaching she had to be silent at the church. Paul spoke to many Greek women’s.  Acts 17:12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 

Acts 14:034 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. 

So when there are problems in the churches concerning the truth of head covering and the Lord supper it is a good test for the brethren to see in how fare they are really established in Paul teaching.

The headship

11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 

The first point is that they should KNOW it. Like in other places Paul put the emphasis on first to know. What he was preaching was new so they had first to know it. This why he also sent Timothy 1 kor. 4:17. This truth you will not find in the law of Moses or in the 4 gospels account because it is part of the special revelation that Paul received from the Lord.

In our days of women liberation of in Paul’s day the problem and the truth are the same. The bretheren should know well the following issue.

1- The head of every man is Christ;

2- The head of the woman is the man;

3 -and the head of Christ is God. 

If you keep this truth in the church and in your preaching you will run out of problems. So when we teach that the women should cover the head when the church is coming together it is because of this order in creation. The question is why we can not accept it just by faith. Why is it so difficult especially the women to obey Paul and for the mans to take position.

Those word explain also why people where questioning Paul position down through al the generation.

Christ revealed us through Paul another purpose of the creation, which was not known before. GOD, CHRIST, MAN,WOMAN. This is the order.



It puts every one in his right place. The man knows now who is his head and so the woman too. If you compare it with church history or religion in general you will find how fare people went away from those fundamental truth. We speak about a man as the head of certain church. About woman’s who can hardly accept the authority of a man. And of course about a mens who are to week to take position.

The prophesying man 

11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 

Paul writes us how this ordinance manifest when the church coming together. It is very simple manifestation. Man with out head covering women with.

Some suggest that Paul meant only when the Church still had the gift of prophesy. But the man is not cover his head because he is a prophet but because he is a MAN that prophesying or pray. So also today when we do not have any more prophets or the gift of prophesy. The men should not cover his head when the church is coming together and there is a teaching or praying.

So if it is clear that man should pray or prophesying with out covering why it is so difficult to accept that the women should do cover?.

dishonoureth his head. - the head of every man is Christ; so the man shows how he hounours Christ by NOT covering his head.

About a man who had his head cover we read only in the the law of moses

8:9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses. Leviticus 8:9

Now we can understand that when religious leaders covering the head they putting them self equal to God. They are simple do not follow what Christ revelled to Paul for this dispensation of Grace.

But there is here another important issue . Every man praying or prophesying. Who is this man that prophesying at the churches that Paul established. Prophesying means to speak for God but there was also the gift of prophesy. We have to understand that we speak about the gift of prophesy in the dispensation of the Grace of God. When Paul write about it he already teach the revelation of the mystery in al the churches (1 Corinthian 4:17)

You get here into confusion at the moment that you do not rightly divided the word of truth and I mean to make distinction between the work and massage of the apostles and prophets from Jerusalem and the Apostle and prophets of the dispensation of Gods grace.

So when we speak about a man that prophesying at the church that Paul was established. We do not speak necessarily about Jew but about the real revelation of the mystery.

Lets look in to the following verses:

Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Romans 16:25-26  - 

Scriptures of the prophets

We know, understand and believe that know one from the old testament prophets as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel en the other knew any thing about God purpose for the present church the body of Christ. You may ask how do I know? Very simple by just taking God in His word to the apostle Paul. From reading in Romans 16:25 we know that “that preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery” kept secret since the world began.

Then the Apostle go and tells us BUT NOW which is the same NOW for ROMANS 3:21 but now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; EPHESIANS 2:13 but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

But now – is the time period when Paul started to preach the grace massage. I am not going into this at this chapter but I hope that you too believe that there is only ONE BUT NOW and not two.

So now we understand that in Romans 16:25-26 Paul tell us about the dispensation of Gods grace that was made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets .

It is Pauls who say : 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 1 Corinthians chapter 13

The question is then what are the scriptures of the prophets ? If you study the book of acts, you will understand that there is a major distinction through ALL the book between the work of the apostle and prophets from Jerusalem and the Apostel and prophets of the dispensation of Gods grace. This why Paul write us :

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Ephesians chapter 2

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Ephesians chapter 3

For the obedience of faith

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

It is Paul and those who was with him that received the apostleship to go to all nation with the gospel of Gods grace. It is through the scriptures of those prophets that people came to understand the revelation of the mystery. So while there is a different is gospels between Peter, James, John the apostels from Jerusalem and Paul and the Apostles and Prophets of the dispensation of Grace. There is only one gospel for this time of grace as we read in Paul letters Romans through Philimon. When we understand this important different we will be able to put the letters to the Hebrewes till the book of revalation in the right time and for the right people as we understand that in those letters we cannot find the same massage as we find in the scripture of the prophets who wrote about the revelation of the mystery.

 Christ revelled to Paul the mystery. He was Apostle with prophets working with him to spread the word of Grace in all the churches. This truth we can find only in scriptures of the prophets  of the dispensation of Gods grace (Paul letters Romans – Philimon)

made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Remmber this purpose of God like Paul write here is NOT part of the massage that Christ gave to the 12 apostles when he was on earth. And also NOT part of the gospel to the circumcision as PETER, JAMES and John were proclaim see (Hebrew – revelation)

The man who prophesying in the Churches that Paul established. He prophesying about the revelation of the mystery. Instead of trying to find the answers in so called TRANSITION theory. We should better go back to the word of God and especially the letters of the Apostle Paul.

1 corintians 12:028 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,

 governments, diversities of tongues. 

So remember, the church of the mystery had also apostles and prophets. Those mans (remember only mans) where instructed to teach NO other doctrine then what Paul told them and was teaching in every Church.

So that man had to pray or prophesying with UNCOVERD head .not because it was “costume” or maybe because of the transition theory. No it is because Christ revelled this to Paul. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

The prophesying woman 

11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 

Most people will find it normally that a man who speaks, when the church is coming together, should not cover his head.

What about the women? Why does Paul mention the woman that prayeth or prophesieth ?

Was there a period in the dispensation of Grace of God that God used women prophesy when the church came together?

I know that for most so-called grace believers this question is even not an issue. They will probably say “it was, then, during Paul early ministry” “  but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail… 1 Corinthians chapter 13:8.

First of all there is no any scripture that will support that Paul had “early or late ministry” those are just so–called theological terms or conclusions and they should never take the place of the written Word of God. The Lord chose Paul for one ministry, for one gospel that he revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit !

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Ephesians chapter 3

I took the time to write this study because I wanted to show you that this women who prayeth or prophesies. She is like you living under the dispensation of the grace of God and as I understand was part of a church that Paul was established.

The most important question is:

Did God use those women as a part of his revelation of the mystery to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit ? The answer is NO NO NO ! 

Was that woman who  prayeth or prophesieth  one of the prophets by the Spirit ? NO NO NO ! 

When Paul say : 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Corinthians chapter 12

Are those prophesieth woman part of those “secondarily prophets” NO NO NO ! 

You know why? Those woman could not and should not be among the prophets that God used to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ ?

The answer is very simple because she is a women. And Paul writes very clearly:

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 1 Corinthians chapter 14

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1 Timothy chapter 2

 Paul mention here something that he was teaching in every church 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

So how could this woman prophesying in the church by the will of God about the revelation of the mystery while she had to be silent?

WHO IS THIS WOMAN?

Those who are against woman head covering under the dispensation of Grace. Suggest that those prophesies woman where the daughters from Joel prophesy.

 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: act 2:17

Or

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

This is a very strange explanation especially if it comes from those who understand the meaning of rightly dividing the Word of truth. Joel prophecy talks about the last days of Gods earthly program. What kind of massage should those daughters suppose to bring to the churches of the dispensation of Grace where Paul’s was teaching the mystery?. And especially if a woman’s under this time of grace should be silent when the church is gathering and they are not aloud to teach the men’s.

What about the daughters of Philip the evangelist. Was Philip evangelist with the gospel of Gods grace and the revelation of the mystery? (See Ephesians chapter 4:11) and what about his daughters? Were they prophesying as a part of the gift of prophesy that God gave to the body of Christ? No! 

But let us first understand some basics facts concerning women prophesying in the Bible and the gift of prophesy under the dispensation of Gods grace.

The first question is what is prophesying? Reveal by divine inspiration or to reveal the will or message of God. Those who were prophesying were not necessarily the appointed prophet him self.

The apostle Paul wrote: 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

“…and he shall rule over thee.” Genesis 3:16

16 These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, Numbers chapter 30

So how was is it during the Law period? Did the woman at that time was aloud to have authority over the man? We ask this, most People will come up with the case of  JUDGES 4:4 And deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

If we will look good we will find that the service of the law was in the hand of mans and not women’s.

The question is if women’s ever had the gift of prophasy at the the church?

Other important question is about which Church is the prophet Joel speaking? And to which Church is Paul writing?

We know that there is a different between the Churches of the mystery “the body of Christ” and the kingdom church or the churches of the circumcisions.

But the question is WHAT IS PROPHESY?

Did God ever revealed his will or plane through women’s?

Prophesy is just speaking for God, and there are samples of women’s who did it

20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Exodus chapter 15

14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. 2 Kings chapter 22

14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Nehemiah chapter 6

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Revelation chapter 2

4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. Judges chapter 4

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; Luke chapter 2

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. Acts chapter 21

Lets not confuse between those women’s who incidentally talk for God and the gift of prophesy that the church the body of Christ received from the Lord as Paul writing us in his letters.

Dear reader, it is wrong to teach that God gave women’s at the Church the body of Christ the gift of prophesy!. It is against the spirit of the word!

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 1 Corinthians chapter 14

How was it during the LAW period? Is there any evidence that at that time woman could have authority on the man? Most people take Deborah, a prophetess as a sample, while if we will read the context of that chapter (Judges chapter 4) we will understand why God was using her.

It is clear from the written law that God used MANS in order to spread his LAWS and REVALATIONS.

16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

Numbers chapter 11

9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel. Deuteronomy chapter 31

So remember that those were the elders of Israel, MANS, that God used to spread His word and not woman’s. Or like Paul write to the Church many years later through the authority of God:

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 1 Corinthians chapter 14

Do I keep the ordinance?

“The truth about women head covering “

By: Dov Avnon

10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 1 Corinthians 11

I suppose it will be a good starting question “Do I keep the ordinance”? Do I follow Paul in that matter as he follows Christ?

The answers of course will be different. “

Some will say “yes I do because it is written!

Others will say:

“No I am not because I do not see it in that way!”

“No I am not because it was for THEN and not for NOW!”

“No I am not because it was only part of Paul early ministry!”

“No I am not because I walk by faith and not by sight”

“No I am not because it was just a custom”!

The so called “mid acts grace movement” do not accept the ordinance of women head covering in their teaching while they do accept the ordinance lord supper. Why? Because for some it is just a custom while others think that it has to do with the acts period or that the long her is the covering.

For years I was teaching too that the Lord supper is part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery and about woman head covering, I will better say, I did not know what to teach. So now I hope that through this study, fellow grace believers and others will come to understand that what Paul is teaching us in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 is part of the gospel of Gods grace for this dispensation of Grace. 

Dov Avnon – Nieuwegein The Netherlands

2010

So what is all about?

It is about the headship and NOT about a temporary rule for the praying of professing women as many think. It is about the truth of “…power on her head because of the angels” and not about old Jewish custom.

Beside this, teaching the truth of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 as part of the revelation of the mystery, will help us to understand that Paul received from the Lord only ONE gospel. ONE ministry and not early one and prison one as some are suggesting.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Acts 9:15; 22:15;26:16

Paul was chosen by the Lord for one purpose to teach the world about Christ according to the new revelation of the mystery and this he did in all of his writings.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: romans 16:25-26

Then and now

One argument that people use, not to follow Paul in those ordinances is “ It was for THEN and not for NOW”. They call it Paul early ministry as if Paul received from the Lord two ministries.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:9-12.

Dear reader you will not find the answer whether we should or should not follow Paul in this ordinance in the word THEN of 1 Corinthians 13:9-12. Because woman head covering was given to the church which is His body as an ordinances and not as part of the gifts. 

In order to understand this subject, you will have to go further and learn about the different between the gifts and the ordinances in the dispensation of Gods grace.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians 4

but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1 Cor 13:8

The gifts that God gave to the Church were temporary. It was not given because of Israel but as it is written

For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Those gifts came to the end long time ago and as fare that I can say, were in operation only during Paul life and ministry.

Lord supper and the truth about women head covering were never part of those gifts. Christ did not give it to Paul because of Israel but as part of the new revelation in order that we will follow it till today.

Be ye followers of me

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Paul delivered the brethren of his time two important ordinances that he was teaching in all the churches 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 1 Corinthians 4

The brethren had to keep those ordinances like Paul was teaching them. Now we know that during the years it has been change. The catholic using the term Lord Supper but it is fare from what Paul was teaching in his letter. Also the truth about women head covering was not kept as it should and those, who do teaching it, do not know much about the dispensation of Grace of God.

Generally saying women are not always waiting to cover the head and so Paul call the brethren to keep those ordinances.

Head of every man is Christ

3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

It is important to understand what Paul wants us to know. What is the reason that he writes them and us about this ordinance?

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God.

The subject is the headship!. This we should know and this is the reason that he write about women head covering. It is important to add that Paul is not writing here about Jewish wisdom or Old Testament truth but about knowledge which is part of the new revelation that the Lord gave him. 

Man and woman praying or prophesying

4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Those two verses are for many a good reason to think that Paul was teaching head covering only in the period that there was a gift of prophesy. What people forget is that he speaks about man and woman who are praying or prophesying and not only prophesying.

Please note that when ever we start to mention the teaching of woman head covering. Those who rejecting it from the beginning are fixated only on verses 4,5. While Paul goes further and explaining what is al about.

I think most people accepted that the man at the church should not cover his head. Just think: who are those who do cover? Catholic leader, Muslim leader, Jews! Have you ever thought why?......

From reading further then just verses 4,5 we will learn that the Apostle Paul had more in mind, when he was writing about this important ordinance. Paul teaching us, why man should not cover his head and why the woman should.

About the man

If the man covers his head he dishonoureth his head – which is Christ according to vers 3

If the woman uncovered her head she dishonoureth her head: which the man according to vers 3

We know that God gave the church which is His body Prophets with the gift of prophesy. Prophesy in Paul’s letter is not just some one who speaks for God. It has to do with gift. I believe that this gift was temporary in the time that God gave the church apostles.

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers… 1 Corinthians 12:28 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets…Ephesians 4:11

Let’s not forget that the Church which is His body is build on the foundation of those apostles and prophets who preached only Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets … Ephesians 4:11

as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Ephesians 3:5

It is important to emphasis that those gifts were not given to the Church because of Israel but as part of the revelation of the mystery. While the gifts were temporary the ordinances were given that we should know: that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God

woman that prayeth or prophesies

5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

What about the woman? Was there any time that the women could prophesies when the church came together? The answer is no!

I will start with the fact that the above gifts were given only to men’s. Paul writes about the women:  34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Please note again that the ordinance of head covering was not given because the gift of prophesy but because of the headship. (vers 3) Paul comparing between Man and woman in those two verses who doing the same.

I always say to people read 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and you will understand that Paul is not writing about this ordinances for the prophesies women that in an other place he say Let your women keep silence in the churches.

There are always those who ask “but who are those women’s that Paul is talking about? Let’s not forget that many women’s followed Paul. Acts 17:4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Yes probably woman who were not silent at the church and who spoke with uncovered head. Other who does not rightly divided the word in this matter speaking about your daughters shall prophesy acts 2 :17 or about Philip the evangelist … had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy acts 21:9.

Again, God gave the gift of prophesy under this dispensation of Grace only to man. Christ gave us through Paul the ordinances of head covering not because of the woman who never had the gift of prophesy but because op the headship. This is a witnessing for the following truth.

 that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God

Shorn or shaven

6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Like I already say read through what the apostle teach in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and you will understand the context.

if the woman be not covered – What does the women should cover? Some teach that the long hair is the covering but then they do not really understand or accepted the point here.

15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering

The teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 goes about that the women should cover her glory THE HAIR.

If a women hair is not cover when the church is coming together it is the same shame like the women shorn or shaven the hair.

It is her glory the hair that should be cover. Why? Not because she use to prophesies but because of the headship

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God

Shame - The roots of the word shame are thought to derive from an older word meaning to cover; as such, covering oneself, literally or figuratively - shame is a violation values

2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1 tim. 2:9

16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Rev. 16:16

If we will look around us we will find that people and even many so called bible believer are not any more SHAME to do all kind of things. They are not shame any more to go to church in very worldly dress, Or to dress them self during the week very worldly. The question is WHY?

Shame is a violation values! – If people are not teaching those values any more there is no shame. I mean values according to the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.

It is strange to hear from people who seam to be educated grace believers, after they heard that we are teaching woman head covering saying “Are you try to bring us back to the law”? They are quoting 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3

So again we have to understand that the teaching about the “headship” and woman head covering is never mention in the law that God gave to Moses. It mentions for the first time in the revelation that Christ gave to Paul for the Church which is His body.

When we understand that woman head covering is part of the massage of grace, then we understand that as Paul is teaching it, it is shame when a woman is not obeying this ordinance.

According to the bible it is a shame for a woman to walk with shaven head because God gave her the hair as a glory. The same is with head covering. I will emphasis it again. We need to teach “What is shame” before we speak about shame. In the world of today woman dressing or doing the hair according what man calls” mode” and not according how Paul is teaching us in his letters.

So if a woman during the time that the church is coming together do not want to covere it is for God like she shorn. So let this woman also shave the hair. But no. there is no Bible believing woman who is willing to attend the fellowship with shaven had. Why not? You see because the Bible teaches not the “mode” that it is a shame for a woman to have shaven head.

So what the problem people? let her be covered. You see how easy it is when we are listening to God. However this why people invent the theory that the hair of the woman is the covering which Paul is talking about but this is fare from being true in the light of the context.

7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

I believe and teach that verse 7 is the heart of the doctrine of head covering. The subject is not praying or prophesying. The subject is:

he is (the man) the image and glory of God:

but the woman is the glory of the man.

The man SHOULD NOT cover

The woman SHOULD cover.

Now we understand that when the Church is coming together. There is heavenly witness about who is the glory of whom. There is a teaching of what Paul wants them to know:

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God

I must say that I knew verse 7 for long time and the words: forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God. I used this verse to speak with people mainly about the creation. Now I know the meaning of it in the context.

8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

Paul teaches the Church here about the headship. He emphasis that in creation the woman was created for the man.

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1 Timothy 2

It is important to note that what Paul write to the church in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 is about this different between man and women. If we look around we can see how the so called woman liberation movement is fighting against the rule of creation. The Church went also during the years after that liberation movement. So today it became very strange for people when they hear that a woman should cover the head when the Church is coming together.

because of the angels

10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Here we come for the main reason why Paul is teaching about woman head covering. Like I said before it is not about rule for the woman who is prophesising. The woman ought to cover because of the ANGELS.

Is it strange that Paul speaks about angels? No! the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery is mainly to show to the heavenly powers the unsearchable riches of God.

1 Cor. 4:9 …for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

1 tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness…. seen of angels …

Eph. 3:10 ….10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Eph. 6:12 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Paul is not speaking just about mean less covering of the head. It is a power. By doing it the woman witness about her place in what Christ wants us to know.

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God

She also letting others know

he is (the man) the image and glory of God:

but the woman is the glory of the man.

We know that Satan is coming as an angel of light. He is trying to destroy any principle that God gave to the Church. One of them is the place that God gave to the woman in the headship.

Is it then strange to say that the angels looking at us? 1 tim. 3:16 …. seen of angels … or that Paul was saying: 1 Cor. 4:9 …for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels

Not at all! Try to teach your church what Paul is teaching us in 1 corintians. 11:1-16 and you will experience this heavenly warfare. Try to obey what Paul meant when he said: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ, and you will understand the meaning of this truth when Paul write: the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

But all things of God

11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

Many think that the truth about woman head covering has to do with submition. They are listening more to what the religion world say and not to what Paul is teaching.

Man and women in Christ are the basic for a great unity. Paul use this relation when he comparing Christ to the Church. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Eph. 5:23-32 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Dear reader please note, that the words of Paul to the Galatians … there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 3;28 are not in contradiction with his words to the Corinthians. In Galatians chapter 3 he is talking about that there is NO different when the context is: 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Man and Woman, with out any different, are Abraham's seed, and heirs only by Grace through faith, on the basic of the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Christ.

So while Paul is teaching neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord he teach them in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 some basic truth.

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God

Judge in yourselves

13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

When I first heard about the truth of woman head covering, I thought it has to do with verses 4,5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth. People speaking mostly about the woman who prophesieth and they forget that the verse is speaking about prayeth or prophesieth.

After we saw that head covering is because of the angels. We are coming now to the third point in this teaching

1- woman that prayeth or prophesieth (vers 4,5)

2- because of the angels (vers 10)

3 - pray unto God uncovered (vers 13)

Judge in yourselves - 1 Corinthians chapters 10-11 teaching us that the believer should judge him self through the ordinances of Lord supper and head covering. It is not Judgement for punishment but for self control in the light of what Christ told Paul for this dispensation of Grace.

1 Corinthians 10:15-16 … judge ye what I say. 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? See also 1 Corinthians 11:31-32.

Lord supper is not religion ritual. It is the moment during the time that the church is coming together that we can use to judge our walk and in some cases the church will judge if what we are doing is right of wrong, I mean in the light of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 cor. 5:11

That woman should cover the head when the church is coming together is ordinance that Christ gave to Paul for this dispensation of Grace. This why we read: Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

A woman who enters a gathering when the Church is coming together should ask her self is it comely – do I Please God when I pray uncovered? Please note that Paul is not talking here about Prophesy.

A well educated Grace woman will probably say “But in our mid acts grace churches woman do not pray during the service”? Here we have to look very careful to what Paul is teaching us.

First of all, it is man made, that we say that only mans are praying because they can pray loud. No I do not teach either that woman should pray loud when the church is coming together. But defiantly woman should pray too when the man is praying. Even some of the songs that we are singing is like a prayer. We talk about praying in silence.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing

Paul is teaching us much more about prayer life but this is not the subject of this study, so I can only say – yes the woman’s in our church should pray when the church is coming together and therefore: Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Long hair

14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

When we are speaking about what is the covering that Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthian 11:1-16. We will find that some people teach that it is the hair of the woman. From reading the whole context we will find that when Paul wrote: 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. He was not talking about the woman hair.

Paul is comparing here between the nature and the ordinance that God gave the church. In the nature man with long hair is a shame. But a woman with long hair it is her glory.

People are not always willing to accept what Paul is teaching here. The long hair is the Glory of the woman and not of God. God gave her the hair to cover so she will not be like the one who shave the hair.

Let’s understand carefully the teaching about woman head covering.

The woman hair is her glory

The man is the image and glory of God:

The woman is the glory of the man.

So when the Church is coming together and the man who is the glory of God teach or pray, the woman should cover her glory which is her hair. Why? 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. So the angels will see how this church understand the “headship”

Contentious

16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

We close our study about woman head covering with this important verse. Look around in other commentaries and you will find how people misunderstand this verse.

The verse teaches simple that the Churches of God (the body of Christ) did not have the custom to argue about the ordinances that Paul just thought them.

Before I understood the truth about woman head covering for this dispensation of Grace, I thought too that this is the meaning of this verse. When someone wanted to talk about it or ask me why we, as a grace believer’s doe not teach it? My answer was “we are not arguing about those things” “we do not have such a customs”

So let see what the apostle teach here. It is clear that what ever Paul was teaching the Corinthians, he was teaching also the other churches see 1 Corinthians 4:17.

Contentious

Here he writes about contentious which are arguments or controversy on fundamental truth that Christ gave to the Church through Paul. It is not arguments about words, opinion or who is right and who is wrong. Those who reject that women head covering is part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery the same as the truth about one baptism is, are just fighting against Gods word through Paul to the Church.

We can see these kinds of fundamental arguments also in:

Acts 15:1 Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them

Acts 23:7-10 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

You see those are not just argument about opinion. Paul stood here for a fundamental truth “salvation by grace through faith alone” “resurrection through Jesus Christ”

Custom

Paul writes about the fact that not he or the churches of God had the custom to argue about this ordinance.

It is very strange on the one hand to read what Paul is writing here and on the other hand to listen or read how other grace believers explain it.

The one write that woman head covering was a custom. Why would Paul write and praise the brethren for keeping these ordinances if it was just a man made Jewish custom. Paul uses the word CUSTOM to talk about the arguments about these ordinances.

Paul or the Churches of God did not have the custom to argue whether they should or should not follow these ordinances. It was for them crystal clear that it was part of the preaching that Paul gave them.

The church lost this truth long time ago like they lost the truth about the one baptism. And so we find our self defending truth that was always part of the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.

Do you still have this custom to argue that we should not teach our woman to cover their head when the Church is coming together? We here in Nieuwegein the Netherlands do not have this custom. We invite our fellow believers to take part with us in the lord supper and we ask the woman’s to cover the head because we know:

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God